Pea protein powder is a vegetable source of protein isolated from peas. There are several types available, which are free from common allergens and vegan- and vegetarian-friendly.
This article discusses pea protein in more detail and suggests some pea protein powders that people may consider trying.
Quick links
- Best flavored isolate pea protein: Naked Nutrition Naked Pea
- Best vegan option: Orgain Organic Protein
- Best pea and vitamin blend: Vega One All-In-One Shake
- Best unflavored isolate pea protein: Now Sports Organic Pea Protein
- Best organic blend: KOS Organic Plant Protein
- Best for digestion: Bulk Supplements Pea Protein Isolate
- Best for easy absorption: Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Vanilla
What is pea protein powder?
Peas are a suitable source of protein. Pea protein powders make consuming this type of protein convenient and accessible. Pea protein is also relatively easy for the body to digest and use, making it a popular vegetable-based protein choice.
There are several varieties of pea protein powder on the market. These include:
- Pea protein isolate: This type removes most other compounds in peas, leaving only the protein behind.
- Pea protein concentrate: This variety may still contain other compounds of peas but still has a high protein content.
- Pea protein hydrolysates: Hydrolysates are products that use specific processes to partially break down the protein, such as through heat, acid, or enzymes.
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Price: Products suit a wide range of budgets.
- Ingredients: Products list all ingredients clearly, with manufacturing processes outlined.
- Safety: Products contain ingredients deemed safe for ingestion.
- Reputation: Products are from businesses that adhere to industry best practices.
Best pea protein powders
Below are seven of the best pea protein powders a person can order online.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best flavored isolate pea protein: Naked Nutrition Naked Pea
- Total servings: 76
- Serving suggestion: 2 scoops, around 30 grams (g)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 27 g
- Total sugars: 2 g
- Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): 5.7 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0%
- Sodium: 110 milligrams (mg)
- Carbohydrate: 2 g
Naked Nutrition offers a simple pea protein isolate made from raw yellow peas.
The unflavored product contains no other ingredients, but it also comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors.
According to the company, Naked Pea is soy-, gluten-, and dairy-free and contains no genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
This makes it ideal for those with sensitivities or allergies, and people who want a powder without flavor to mix with food, such as in baking.
Buyers say that it has a good flavor. However, they also note that the tub is about 70% full.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
- suitable for baking
- suitable for people with allergies
- does not contain added ingredients
Cons:
- expensive
- reports of products not being fully filled
Naked Nutrition Naked Pea is available online for around $64.99. Subscriptions are also available.
Best vegan option: Orgain Organic Protein
- Total servings: 20
- Serving suggestion: 2 scoops (36 g)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 21 g
- Total sugars: 0 g
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Carbohydrate: 7 g
Orgain Organic Protein provides an organic plant-based protein blend, which may be suitable for many diets. The protein blend also reportedly includes protein from brown rice and chia seed.
According to the company, the product is vegan and gluten, soy, and lactose-free. This makes this product suitable for people following a vegan diet and those with a range of dietary restrictions.
There are many flavors to choose from, including neutral, vanilla, iced coffee, pumpkin spice, and strawberries and cream.
Orgain also claims this product is USDA certified organic.
However, the ingredients include sunflower oil, which is an allergen some people may wish to avoid.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
- USDA certified organic
- comes in a wide range of flavors
- sources protein from multiple foods
Cons:
- contains sunflower oil, which may be an allergen for some
The Orgain Organic Protein is available online for around $31.99. The company also operates a subscription service with discounts.
Best pea and vitamin blend: Vega One All-In-One Shake
- Total servings: 10
- Serving suggestion: 1 scoop (38 g)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 20 g
- Total sugars: 1 g
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Carbohydrate: 10 g
Vega One All-In-One plant-based protein powder combines pea protein with a blend of fruits and vegetables to deliver extra nutrients.
According to the company, the product also contains vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron. This may be suitable for those who want to add minerals and vitamins to their diet from protein powder rather than supplement capsules.
Vega claims this protein powder is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Every serving contains probiotics and greens, including pumpkin, kale, and spinach. It also comes in various flavors, including berry, mocha, coconut almond, and chocolate mint.
However, people with sensitivities should be aware that the company makes it in a facility that processes soy, peanuts, eggs, and milk.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
- contains added vitamins and probiotics
- comes in a wide range of flavors
- includes leafy greens
Cons:
- fewer servings than many products
- relatively expensive for 10 servings
- made in a facility that handles common allergens
The Vega One All-In-One Shake is available online for around $43.
Best unflavored isolate pea protein: Now Sports Organic Pea Protein
- Total servings: 34
- Serving suggestion: 2 level scoops (20 g)
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 15 g
- Total sugars: 0 g
- BCAAs: 2,782 mg
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Carbohydrate: 1 g
Now Sports Organic Pea Protein is an isolated pea protein made from organic yellow peas.
It contains no other ingredients and may suit people looking for a pure option or who wish to create their own blends.
According to the company, this product is USDA certified organic and verified non-GMO. Other positives include amino acids and l-arginine from the pea protein.
Most buyers praise it, saying it has no overpowering smell or taste. However, some critical reviews point out that it can be bitter.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
- contains l-arginine and amino acids
- USDA certified organic
- affordable
Cons:
- reports of a bitter flavor
- relatively high sodium content per serving
A 1.5-pound (lb) tub of Now Sports Organic Pea Protein is available online for around $22.
Best organic blend: KOS Organic Plant Protein
- Total servings: 30
- Serving suggestion: 2 scoops (39 g)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 20 g
- Total sugars: 2 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Carbohydrate: 9 g
KOS Organic Plant Protein powder chocolate flavor contains a protein blend made from organic peas, as well as pumpkin seed protein, quinoa, and seeds of both flax and chia.
According to the company, this product also contains a blend of fruits and vegetables, providing other nutrients and vitamins. It is also free of gluten, soy, dairy, and GMOs.
This makes it suitable for people looking for an organic blend to add minerals and vitamins to their shakes.
However, the ingredients include a relatively high amount of sodium per serving, equaling 13% of a person’s daily amount. It is also unsuitable for individuals allergic to tree nuts.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
- contains nutrients from fruit and vegetables
- free from gluten, soy, and dairy
Cons:
- unsuitable for people allergic to tree nuts
- relatively high sodium content per serving
- higher calorie content than some other brands
A 2.6-lb tub of KOS Organic Plant Protein is available online for around $44.
Best for digestion: Bulk Supplements Pea Protein Isolate
- Total servings: 33
- Serving suggestion: 4 tablespoons (30 g)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 21 g
- Total sugars: 0 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Carbohydrate: 2 g
Bulk Supplements Pea Protein Isolate reportedly contains an isolated protein powder that contains all of the essential amino acids.
Each serving delivers 21 g of protein with 2 g of carbohydrates and no sugars.
According to the company, this product is suitable for vegans and gluten-, soy-, and lactose-free. It also has no artificial flavors or colors, making it ideal for people who want a powder that is easy to digest and blend into drinks.
Positive comments mention a great taste.
More critical comments criticize its texture when mixed into drinks.
A person can choose between a range of sizes from 3.5-ounce packets to 2.2-lb bags.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
- affordable
- contains all essential amino acids
Cons:
- users report an unpleasant texture when mixed into drinks
A 2.2-lb bag of Bulk Supplements Pea Protein Isolate is available online for around $20.
Best for easy absorption: Vanilla Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
- Total servings: 20
- Serving suggestion: 1 scoop (31 g)
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 22 g
- Total sugars: 0 g
- BCAAs: 3,920 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Carbohydrate: 4 g
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein utilizes a sprouting technique that the company claims activates ingredients to make them more bioavailable.
The blend also contains 12 other plant-based ingredients, which the company says helps create a complete and varied amino acid profile. The brand also says it includes a combination of raw probiotics and enzymes to break down the proteins further for easy absorption.
This may make this powder suitable for people who get digestive upset when taking protein supplements.
Instead of sugar, this protein powder contains the sweetener erythritol, which contains fewer calories than sugar.
According to the company, this product is organic, non-GMO, dairy-free, and vegan. It comes in vanilla, chocolate, vanilla chai, and unflavored options.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
- contains a lower calorie sugar substitute
- contains a complete amino acid profile
- includes enzymes to make it easier to digest
Cons:
- relatively high sodium content per serving
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein in vanilla flavor is available online for around $46.99. Buyers also get free shipping.
Comparison
The table below compares each of the pea protein powders in this article for ingredients, price, and more.
| Protein per serving | Total servings | Total sugars | Calories | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naked Nutrition | 27 g | 76 | 2 g | 120 | $64.99 |
| Orgain | 21 g | 20 | 0 g | 140 | $31.99 |
| Vega | 20 g | 10 | 1 g | 140 | $43 |
| Now Sports | 15 g | 34 | 0 g | 80 | $22 |
| KOS | 20 g | 30 | 2 g | 160 | $44 |
| Bulk Supplements | 21 g | 33 | 0 g | 110 | $20 |
| Garden of Life | 22 g | 20 | 0 g | 130 | $46.99 |
How to choose
Individuals looking to purchase protein powder may wish to consider the following factors:
- Ingredients: A person should consider any added ingredients in their chosen pea protein.
- Protein per serving: Some pea protein powders contain more protein per serving than others. A person should consider how much protein they are already consuming through their diet to ensure they are not consuming more than the recommended daily amount.
- Flavor: A person can choose flavored and unflavored pea proteins. A person may wish to check for artificial flavorings and consider whether unflavored options may be more versatile for adding to drinks or food.
- Allergens: Some individuals may have an allergy or sensitivity to certain ingredients in pea protein powders. A person should always check ingredient labels to check for allergens.
- Price: Some pea protein powders are expensive, and a person should consider their budget and how long their chosen pea protein will last.
How to use
Most pea protein options are simple to use by following the instructions on the product label.
Typically, a person will mix a scoop of the pea protein powder with water or a milk substitute, shake, then consume the beverage. They may also add it to foods such as oatmeal. Individuals may have one or two protein shakes a day, usually before, during, or after a workout.
However, consuming more than the recommended amount of pea protein powder may increase the risk of side effects and digestive upset.
Why might a person take it?
Some people may add pea protein powder to their diet as a supplement if they feel they do not get enough protein from their diet alone.
Protein may also contribute to a person feeling full after they eat, so individuals looking to lose weight or cut calories may look to protein sources to help keep them feeling full.
For athletes and those who exercise regularly, pea protein powder may be a helpful alternative to other options, such as whey protein from cow’s milk.
Some people, such as those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, do not tolerate whey.
As a plant-based product, pea protein is also suitable for vegan diets. It is also free of the most common allergens:
Effectiveness
Most vegetable protein powders, such as pea, are not completeTrusted Source by themselves, meaning they do not contain all nine essential amino acids.
A 2019 reviewTrusted Source notes the importance of making vegetable proteins higher in quality, either by blending them with other protein sources to complete the amino acid profile or supplementing them with other sources, such as BCAAs. Doing so may create a complete, high quality protein.
Many companies mix pea protein with other protein sources to provide all amino acids.
When it comes to pea protein’s effectiveness, it may produce similar results to other standards for protein, such as whey.
A 2019 studyTrusted Source found that after 8 weeks of use on similar high intensity training schedules, participants who took either whey or pea protein had similar outcomes regarding muscle thickness, strength, and body composition.
This indicates that pea is an effective protein. However, this was a smaller study, and researchers need to conduct more studies to support these results.
Similarly, a 2020 systematic reviewTrusted Source notes that plant and animal protein sources have comparable effects.
Side effects
Most people tolerate pea protein powder well in the correct doses.
However, some individuals may experience side effects when taking pea protein powder. This may be more likely if the person takes very high doses of protein. Side effects may include digestive issues, such as:
Some companies will also include enzymes or other processes to reduce these symptoms.
Alternatives
There are many vegan-friendly and lactose-free protein sources on the market, including:
- hemp seeds
- chia seeds
- tofu
- tempeh
- lentils
- chickpeas
- quinoa
Learn more about plant-based foods high in protein.
Many companies will include a mix of these ingredients to complete the amino acid profile of a vegetable protein.
Find out more about vegan protein powders.
Frequently asked questions about pea protein powder
Below are answers to some of the top questions about pea protein powders.
Does pea protein powder cause inflammation?
There is very limited research that studies the long-term effects of pea protein powder on overall body inflammation. A 2021 studyTrusted Source points out that pea protein may help control inflammation levels. However, the study looked at rat models, not humans.
Another factor to consider is the ingredients of the overall product. If the protein powder contains ingredients that promoteTrusted Source inflammation, such as omega-6, it could counteract anti-inflammatory ingredients such as omega-3. However, more research is needed on this subject.
Is pea protein powder good for weight loss?
Pea protein powder can be effective for weight loss when a person combines it with a balanced diet. A 2020 studyTrusted Source points out that whey and pea protein powders help control appetite, which may help a person eat less and cut calories.
Do you need to exercise when taking pea protein powder?
Exercise is an essential factor in a person’s overall health, and a person should not replace exercise with protein powders. People typically consume pea protein powders before or after exercise to help muscles recover.
Summary
Pea protein powder offers a vegetable option for protein supplementation. Companies may mix pea protein with other vegetable sources to complete the essential amino acid profile, making it more beneficial to the body.
While protein powders can supplement a person’s protein intake, individuals should not use them to replace a healthy balanced diet. People should stop taking these supplements if they experience side effects, such as stomach aches.
